Chapter 74:

Jicheng squatted under the tree, cleaning fish while chatting with Zhou Jing and the others about work at the construction site. It was still early, and they were just waiting for Third Uncle to arrive before they could start the meal. Third Uncle had mentioned that he’d be finishing work early today and coming back soon.

The boss seemed to value Jicheng even more these days. If it were anyone else, staying home for so long would have gotten them dismissed long ago. The foreman had even specifically told Jicheng not to rush and to take care of things at home before returning to work.

Jicheng, however, felt uneasy about staying home too long and planned to go harvest the corn the next day, not wanting to scramble if it rained. Chunfu had mixed the leftover fine flour with cornmeal while kneading dough earlier. The portions had been just enough, but with Li Xiu’e unexpectedly joining them, things became tight.

Chunfu had prepared a spicy fish dish and a pot of fish soup, completing the meal. Once Third Uncle arrived, she asked Jicheng to serve the guests while she turned to boil dumplings. Fortunately, their home had two stoves, and Liansheng’s wife was nearby cutting noodles. With years of experience, her knife skills were impressive—she had prepared noodles for several grown men in no time.

“Thank goodness you’re here, Sister-in-law. If it were just me, I wouldn’t know how long it’d take.”

Liansheng’s wife watched the noodles swirl in the boiling water and chuckled at Chunfu’s words. “It’s all about years of practice. By the time you reach my age, there’ll be nothing you can’t do. Tending the fields, cooking, feeding livestock—I do it all myself. Can’t rely on Liansheng for much. The whole family depends on him to bring home money, so he can’t slack off. Life is hard, but as long as the family gets along, it’s bearable.” She glanced at Jicheng outside and added with a smile, “Your Jicheng isn’t young anymore. You should start thinking about it, girl. Men might say they don’t care about children, but deep down, they all want them. Besides, having your own child means everything you endure is for their future. What does it matter what others think?”

Chunfu knew she was referring to her sister-in-law, Li Xiu’e. Without children of their own, the money they earned might as well be an open invitation for trouble. While everyone knew the money wouldn’t go to outsiders, there were always those with ulterior motives.

She glanced at Li Xiu’e, laughing loudly among the men, then turned back to check if the dumplings were done.

In truth, Li Xiu’e was forcing her cheerfulness. No matter how resentful she felt, she didn’t dare show it. If Chunmu were here to oversee things, would Chunfu and Jicheng dare act so improperly?

Soon, the dishes were all served. Each man held a large bowl of noodles, and Jicheng pointed to the dishes Chunfu had prepared. “Don’t let the broth fool you—pouring it over the noodles with some chili and vinegar makes it taste just right. I’d say it’s even better than the noodles at the shops.”

Zhou Jing took the ladle and served Yuning first, smiling. “Little sister-in-law helped me a lot back then. The first pastries you sent me were her idea—she told your brother to bring them to me. Otherwise, a clueless guy like me would’ve had a much harder time.”

Yuning smiled faintly, her manners refined as she took small, deliberate bites, savoring each mouthful before speaking. “It really is delicious, just like the noodles my mother used to make. With such a flavorful broth, I’m truly fortunate today.”

Li Xiu’e waited until everyone else had started before pouring broth over her noodles and taking a bite. She gasped in surprise. “How come I never knew you had this skill back at home? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have let you marry off so easily. Your brother’s been feeling unwell and has no appetite—make him a bowl too. I’ll take it back for him later. Oh, there are dumplings too? Zhang Tong should be back soon. Since I’ve been helping here, I didn’t prepare anything for him. The kids can’t possibly finish this whole bowl—let them eat from the table. I’ll take this back for Zhang Tong.” She pointed her chopsticks at the dumplings in front of Daya and Erbao, smiling at Chunfu. “You go to such lengths to entertain others, yet after all this time married, why haven’t you gotten closer to your own brother? That’s your fault. In this village, only your brother truly looks out for you two. How can you be so thoughtless?”

Chunfu had just sat down beside Jicheng when these words stoked her anger. She glanced at the others and said coldly, “I didn’t invite you. Finish your meal and go back. Jicheng and I can manage our own lives—no need for your concern. Daya, Erbao, eat up. You’re not leaving until you finish, and you’re staying here tonight.”

Daya and Erbao looked at Liansheng’s wife with pitiful expressions, amusing the couple. Liansheng’s wife laughed and scolded lightly, “What kind of aunt talks to kids like that? Alright, you two hear that? These dumplings were made especially for you by Aunt Chunfu—eat up!”

They were straightforward people who had no patience for pretense. If they worried about saving face among neighbors, Liansheng would’ve been dead long ago. Better to speak plainly than waste time on empty words. Liansheng’s wife couldn’t stand Li Xiu’e’s shameless behavior—acting entitled just because she was family, never speaking politely, as if they owed her something. Always talking about money, whether she could get it or not. Anyone who could tolerate her deserved applause.

Li Xiu’e couldn’t lash out in front of others, so she forced a smile. “I don’t care for your tone, Sister Liansheng. Why can your kids eat, but my son can’t? Zhang Tong is her own nephew—shouldn’t an aunt be close to her nephew? Forget just this plate of dumplings. If Chunfu and Jicheng are doing well, helping her elder brother is only right. It’s our ancestors’ rule—whatever good things we have, family gets a share. Her brother and I raised her until she married—that’s a huge debt of gratitude. Jicheng, don’t you agree?”

Chunfu hadn’t expected the woman to sink to such shamelessness. She scoffed and quietly sipped her fish broth. Jinjuan, seeing her silence, interjected, “Sister-in-law Xiu’e, those sitting nearby might think you’re here to help, but anyone else would assume you’re here to stir trouble. Our families are close, and it’s rare for us to sit together like this. Yet before we’ve even exchanged a few words, you’ve monopolized the conversation. We came to congratulate Chunfu, not to listen to your lectures. And Miss An here is a lady of refinement—aren’t you embarrassed spouting village gossip in front of her?”

Li Xiu’e glanced at the elegant young lady and indeed saw her aloof demeanor, exuding an air of dignity. Flushing with shame, she muttered, “Look who’s talking—someone who’s no better, lecturing me. As if she’s any great shakes herself.”

Jicheng had heard enough. “We have matters to discuss. Sister-in-law, finish your meal and head back. Everyone’s here to celebrate a rare happy occasion in our home. Chunfu and I are just returning the courtesy. Family matters can wait for another day.”

Li Xiu’e’s face fell completely. Earlier, she’d eyed the gifts on the empty table in the yard, planning to take a few home. But Jicheng’s words stung worse than a slap. Third Uncle had brought a gift when he arrived, while she’d come empty-handed, expecting free food and goods. No matter how thick-skinned she was, such blunt rejection was hard to swallow. She opened her mouth but found no retort, her earlier bravado gone.

No one paid her any further attention. She ate in sullen silence while the others chatted and laughed, the meal stretching on for hours before finally ending. Jicheng had rented Qiaoyun’s brother’s cart for half a day. The family despised the Jis, and if not for Qiaoyun’s intervention, things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.

Zhou Jing and Miss An boarded the carriage together, exchanging farewells as the wheels turned, leaving tracks in the dirt road as they disappeared into the sunset.

Chunfu had just returned to clear the dishes when Li Xiu’e rubbed her hands and asked, “Any leftovers? I need to take some back for your brother and Zhang Tong—they’re still hungry.”

She’d prepared just enough for the guests, and though Li Xiu’e’s presence had stretched things thin, there was nothing left. Going hungry herself was one thing, but she couldn’t let guests go without. Shaking her head, she said, “There’s nothing left. You’d better hurry back and cook something for them.”

Li Xiu’e refused to give up. “Your cooking’s good. While your stove’s still hot, make a bowl of noodles for your brother and nephew. Save me the trouble.”

Chunfu ignored her, continuing to clear the table as if she hadn’t spoken. A bowl of noodles wouldn’t take much effort, but she simply didn’t want to. She’d never encountered someone so brazen before—everyone else at least cared about appearances. Never mind. After today’s work, she was exhausted.

Jinjuan understood how frustrating such people could be. Taking the dishes from Chunfu, she said, “Go rest. You’ve worked hard all day. Liansheng’s wife and I will handle this.”

Chunfu didn’t protest, sitting on a stool to massage her sore shoulders. Jicheng had spoiled her—this was her first time cooking for so many, and her body wasn’t used to it. Watching Liansheng’s wife, she remarked, “Once Erbao starts school, you’ll need to cook more carefully. Studying takes a lot of energy.”

Liansheng’s wife, hands greasy from cleaning, laughed. “True. With an aunt like you nearby, his taste buds won’t suffer.”

Li Xiu’e finally left in a huff, stomping her feet. This wasn’t over—she’d settle the score slowly. If she, as a sister-in-law, couldn’t make Chunfu listen, surely her brother could. Let’s see if Chunfu would still dare ignore them then.

Liansheng’s wife nodded toward the gate. “Who knows how much more trouble she’ll cause you two? Honestly, no matter what you do, it’s wrong. If you’re weak, you get bullied. If you’re strong, people covet what you have. Refuse, and you’re heartless. They’ve got all the lines—how are we supposed to live?”

Jinjuan wiped the clean bowls dry and agreed. “Exactly. Seems like all the rules in this world are made to torment honest folks. We’ve got to wise up—why bother with bigmouths like that? Looks like we’re done here. I’ll head back—Zhao Yun’s going to town tomorrow, and I’ve got things for him to bring.”

Liansheng’s wife stayed with Chunfu a while longer before leaving. She’d been here since morning and hadn’t tidied up at home yet. The yard fell quiet, with only Abao gnawing vigorously on a fishbone beside Chunfu. She picked out the bones, feeding him the safe bits.

When Jicheng finally returned, it was nearly dark. She stood to greet him. “Why so late?”

Jicheng frowned. “Talked with Qiaoyun for a bit. We also spoke about Jiliang.”

Chunfu sighed. “Has Qiaoyun decided to divorce? Their marital issues have dragged on for a while. Is there any chance of reconciliation?”

Jicheng poured hot water from the kettle into a basin, adding well water to wash his face. “From the sound of it, she’s done. When I arrived, that man was at her place, helping shell corn. Doesn’t look good. She said silver appears on her windowsill every month—must be Jiliang. One month, she stayed up all night but didn’t catch him. Now Jiliang’s like a ghost—here one moment, gone the next. She wanted to give me the money he left, but I refused. I want no part of his mess.”

Chunfu took the towel he handed her, wiping his back. “It’s getting cold—wash inside from now on. We’ve got corn to harvest tomorrow, so rest early. You’ve been working nonstop—how long can you keep this up?”

Jicheng pulled her close, patting her cheek. “Our fields aren’t big. One day’s enough to bring in the harvest. Who knows when it’ll rain? If the crop molds, a year’s work is wasted.”

Chunfu leaned against him. “I’ll go with you tomorrow. It’s not like I’ve never worked before. Today made me realize how soft I’ve gotten—just one meal and I’m exhausted. What if there’s unavoidable work later? Better to stay active and not grow lazy.”

Jicheng chuckled. “Wait till it’s warmer before coming out tomorrow. But even if you get plump, I won’t complain.”

Chunfu swatted him. Being thin and sallow was no beauty, but neither was being overly round. She often checked the mirror, wary of her body getting out of hand as life improved.

Early the next morning, Aunt Ji took the prepared gifts to Qiaoyun’s home. She thought it a waste to give such things to that ungrateful girl, but under her husband’s fierce glare, she had no choice.

The two homes weren’t far apart, and most people along the way recognized her. Many were surprised, and the nosier ones greeted her: “Sister Ji, it’s been years since you last came, hasn’t it? What brings you here today?”

Aunt Ji’s face burned. They were surely mocking her—an old woman humbling herself to plead with in-laws. Under their scornful gazes, she felt she’d lost all dignity. Entering Qiaoyun’s family yard, she saw the girl cleaning up, likely preparing to dry corn.

Qiaoyun had been about to fetch water when she spotted the visitor. Shocked, then flustered, she didn’t know how to face this woman who’d treated her so harshly. Just then, her mother emerged, face darkening at the sight. “What are you doing here? Tell your Jiliang to act like a man and stop dragging this out. Don’t block my Qiaoyun’s path to a better life.”

Aunt Ji forced a smile. “In-law, such harsh words. Our family’s had a lot going on lately—only now are things settling. I’ve brought gifts to apologize. Qiaoyun’s a good daughter-in-law. My husband’s been feeling guilty for how she’s been treated, scolding me endlessly. I’ve come to my senses. Qiaoyun, you and Jiliang were happy together—don’t let foolish parents ruin a good marriage. I’m here to ask your forgiveness. Come home with me, won’t you?”

“My Qiaoyun isn’t going anywhere with you. If she dares return to that worthless life, I’ll disown her. She collapsed in the rain carrying your Ji family’s child—did any of you care? Now that your precious son’s failed, you want to trick my daughter back? I raised her with my own sweat and tears. If you don’t value her, we do.”

Qiaoyun started to speak, but her sister-in-law stepped out, tone indifferent. “Mother, this is between Qiaoyun and the Jis. Don’t interfere, or you’ll regret it later.”

Qiaoyun’s mother, already furious over her daughter’s mistreatment, snapped at the daughter-in-law who constantly schemed to drive her beloved child away. “Shut your mouth! You eat our food, drink our water, yet still can’t speak properly? Don’t want to stay? Get out! Go back to your stepmother—see how she treats you!”

Qiaoyun’s eldest brother had just returned with a cartload of corn. Hearing his mother’s rare outburst, he knew his wife must’ve said something out of line. Parking the cart, he stormed in, pointing at her. “What nonsense are you spouting? Need a beating to know your place?” He grabbed her arm, making her tremble. Though he’d never hit her, his rage was terrifying.

Qiaoyun’s mother stopped him. “A scolding’s enough. No need to air dirty laundry for outsiders. Aunt Ji wants your sister to return with her. I’m against it. You’re the man of the house—you decide.”

“My stance is the same. My sister suffered too much in your family to just forgive and forget. Aunt Ji, abandon this idea. Focus on finding Jiliang and ending this cleanly. Don’t stand in my sister’s way to happiness.”

Aunt Ji’s face flushed and paled alternately. She turned to Qiaoyun. “What do you say? I don’t care about others—just your answer.”

Qiaoyun smiled calmly. “I’ll listen to my brother and mother. Jiliang and I… there’s no future. Here’s the silver he left on my windowsill. Since we’re done, it’s not right for me to keep it. Take it back today.” She went inside, returning with a pouch she pressed into Aunt Ji’s hand—a clear dismissal.

Aunt Ji weighed the silver in her palm, sighing. “If your mind’s made up, I won’t force you. I’ll tell the old man.”

Watching her retreating figure, Qiaoyun finally exhaled in relief. The weight on her heart lifted at last. She owed Jiliang nothing—their bond had been too fragile to last even a decade. Perhaps this was for the best. No more struggles, no more resentment. They would each walk their own path, unburdened.